UPSC Daily Current Affairs

India-China Military Talks

Aug 23, 2023

Q: What is the recent development between India and China in Ladakh? A: Indian and Chinese division commanders met to discuss troop disengagement in standoff areas like Depsang and Demchok. This follows higher-level talks and ongoing discussions to ease tensions. Q: What is the purpose of these meetings? A: These meetings aim to build confidence and address border tensions. They focus on disengagement of troops from disputed areas and improving communication between the Indian and Chinese militaries. Read More...

Supreme Court's Gender Stereotype Handbook

Aug 23, 2023

Stereotypes are oversimplified and often inaccurate beliefs or assumptions about individuals based on their characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, or profession. These preconceived notions can lead to bias, discrimination, and unfair treatment, hindering the pursuit of equality and inclusivity in society 1. What is the 'Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes'? The 'Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes' is a guide released by the Supreme Court of India. It aims to raise awareness among judges about gender-biased language and stereotypes present in court judgmen... Read More...

US, Japan, and South Korea "Duty to Consult" Pledge

Aug 23, 2023

Q1. What is the new "duty to consult" pledge involving the United States, Japan, and South Korea? The United States, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to a new security pledge that commits the three countries to consult with each other in the event of a security crisis or threat in the Pacific region. Q2. What does the "duty to consult" pledge entail? Under the pledge, the three countries agree to consult, share information, and coordinate their responses in the face of a security threat or crisis. The commitment is meant ... Read More...

Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) in the New Education Policy 2022

Aug 23, 2023

Q1. What does the New Education Policy 2022 focus on regarding Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)? The New Education Policy (NEP) 2022 places significant emphasis on Early Childhood Care & Education, particularly for children aged 3 to 6 years. Q2. Why is early brain development highlighted in the NEP? The NEP reveals that more than 85% of a child's brain development occurs by the age of six, stressing the importance of nurturing both cognitive and physical growth during these critical years. Read More...

Ragging Tragedy at Jadavpur University: Uncovering the Factors

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What recent incident occurred at Jadavpur University? A first-year student at Jadavpur University in West Bengal tragically died allegedly due to ragging by senior students. This incident has sparked discussions about campus politics, administrative lapses, and the prevailing practice of ragging on campus. FAQ 2: What are the key details of the incident? The victim was a first-year student in the Bengali department who fell to his death from the second floor of the university's boys' hostel. The incident occurred in the early ho... Read More...

We, the People of India" Meaning

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What does "We, the People of India" mean? "We, the People of India" is the opening phrase of the Preamble to the Constitution of India. It signifies the collective identity of the citizens of India and their role as the ultimate source of authority and power in shaping the nation's destiny. FAQ 2: What is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution? The Preamble is a concise introductory statement that outlines the objectives and aspirations of the Constitution. It sets the tone and framework for the constitutional p... Read More...

Indian Parliament and the Privileges Committee

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What is the Indian Parliament Privileges Committee? The Indian Parliament Privileges Committee is a specialized parliamentary committee responsible for overseeing and safeguarding the privileges and immunities enjoyed by Members of Parliament (MPs) within the legislative process. FAQ 2: What are parliamentary privileges? Parliamentary privileges are legal rights and immunities granted to MPs to ensure their freedom of speech, expression, and action while performing their parliamentary duties. These privileges aim to protect MPs from leg... Read More...

Katchatheevu Dispute:All That the Aspirant Should Know

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What is Katchatheevu and where is it located? Katchatheevu is a small uninhabited island situated between Neduntheevu, Sri Lanka, and Rameswaram, India. Its historical significance is attributed to its use by both Sri Lankan Tamil and Tamil Nadu fishermen. FAQ 2: What historical conflict surrounded Katchatheevu between India and Sri Lanka? Katchatheevu was a contested region between India and Sri Lanka until 1974. Ownership of t... Read More...

Disaster Management and Centre-State Relations

Aug 23, 2023

The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution outlines the division of powers between the central government and state governments by categorizing subjects into three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. Each list contains specific subjects on which the respective governments can legislate and exercise executive authority. The distribution of powers is intended to maintain a balance between the central authority and the autonomy of state governments. The Centre has legislative and executive powers over entries in the Union List whereas States have similar powers over... Read More...

3D-Printed Post Office in Bengaluru

Aug 23, 2023

1. What is 3D printing? 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from digital models by adding material layer by layer. 2. How does 3D printing work? A digital 3D model is designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The model is sliced into thin horizontal layers using slicing software. A 3D printer reads the sliced model and deposits material based on the design specifications,... Read More...

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for MSMEs in Pharma

Aug 23, 2023

What is 'Schedule M'? Schedule M refers to the mandatory guidelines established by the Indian government that specify Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) involved in drug manufacturing. Why has the Indian government decided to enforce 'Schedule M'? The Indian government aims to ensure quality assurance, reduce the compliance burden in the pharmaceutical sector, and bolster the confidence of consumers in the products manufactured by MSMEs. Furthermore, it seeks to reinforce India&#... Read More...

Pulses in India:Bird's Eye View

Aug 23, 2023

Q1: What is the current status of India's pulses production? India's pulses production has reached a record high of 26.96 million metric tonnes (MMT) in the year 2021-22. This represents a significant increase from the production levels of 19.26 MMT in 2013-14. Q2: How has import dependency on pulses changed in recent years? Import dependency on pulses has decreased from 19% in 2013-14 to around 9% in 2021-22. It is projected to further decrease to around 3% by the year 2030-31. Q3: What has ... Read More...

Jal Jeevan Mission: New Milestone with Piped Water Progress

Aug 23, 2023

1. What's the recent achievement in India's rural water supply? India's Jal Jeevan Mission has achieved a significant milestone, with two out of every three rural households now having functional piped water connections. 2. What is the focus of the Jal Jeevan Mission? The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water connections to all of India's 194.2 million rural households by the end of 2024. The goal is to ensure access to 55 liters of clean water per person per day. 3. How much p... Read More...

WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine: An Overview

Aug 23, 2023

What is the WHO's Global Summit on Traditional Medicine? The first-ever Global Summit on Traditional Medicine is part of the G20 Health Ministers' Meeting in Gandhinagar. Co-hosted by India's Ministry of Ayush, it focuses on promoting holistic health through the integration of ancient wisdom and modern science. What's the theme and duration of the summit? The summit takes place from August 17th to 18th under the theme "Towards Health and Well-being for All." It explores how traditional and complementary medicine can a... Read More...

Himachal and Uttarakhand Disaster

Aug 22, 2023

Leveraging Technology and Support Systems for Disaster Mitigation: 1. Landslides and Earthquakes: Technology: Seismic sensors and monitoring stations are deployed in regions like Kinnaur, Solan, and Pithoragarh to detect seismic activities and provide early warnings about potential earthquakes. Landslide detection systems are installed in areas like Mandi and Chamoli, using geospatial data to identify locations prone to landslides and ensure timely evacuation. 2. Floods: Technology: In t... Read More...